The 2023 community mental health survey received feedback from 14,770 people who received treatment for a mental health condition between 1 April and 31 May 2023. For the first time, participants of the 2023 survey were offered the choice of responding online or via a paper-based questionnaire.
Working with stakeholders, the CQC took the opportunity to review and update the methodology, eligibility and questions used in the survey. This included lowering the eligibility age to now include 16 and 17-year-olds. As a result of the changes, it is not possible to compare this year’s results with data collected in previous years.
The report shows that people’s experiences of NHS mental health services provided in the community are poor. Most notably, quality of care, crisis care, support while waiting, planning and involvement in care, and support with other areas of life.
For the first time, the survey was able to identify respondents using Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). Results for people using CAMHS indicate especially poor levels of treatment and care across most areas, including ‘waiting for care’, experiences of the ‘mental health team’ and ‘involvement in care’.
Survey results were analysed to show how experiences varied for different groups of people who use services. For example, findings show that disabled service users were more likely to report negative experiences for 14 of the 20 questions analysed.
Visit Care Quality Commission to read the full report Return to the Insight Bank